LGBTQ+ Actresses Who Succeeded Against All Odds

The entertainment industry has undergone a significant transformation regarding the visibility of queer talent. Actresses within the LGBTQ+ community have navigated a landscape that historically marginalized their voices and identities. These performers have broken barriers in major franchises and independent cinema while maintaining their authentic selves. Their success serves as a testament to their resilience and skill in a competitive field. Each individual on this list has contributed to a more inclusive Hollywood through their artistry and public presence.

Sarah Paulson

Sarah Paulson has established herself as a powerhouse performer through her frequent collaborations with creator Ryan Murphy. She earned widespread acclaim for her roles in the anthology series ‘American Horror Story’ and her portrayal of Marcia Clark in ‘The People v. O. J. Simpson’. Paulson has been open about her long term relationship with fellow actress Holland Taylor since 2015. Her career continues to thrive with leading roles in both prestige television and major motion pictures.

Cynthia Nixon

Cynthia Nixon rose to international fame playing Miranda Hobbes on the hit series ‘Sex and the City’. She has successfully transitioned between acting and political activism throughout her career. Nixon identifies as queer and has been an outspoken advocate for marriage equality and public education. She recently reprised her iconic role in the sequel series ‘And Just Like That’ while continuing to work on Broadway.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox became a household name for her groundbreaking performance as Sophia Burset on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She was the first openly transgender person to be nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in an acting category. Cox has used her platform to bring attention to the challenges faced by the transgender community. Her work includes hosting documentaries and appearing in films like ‘Promising Young Woman’.

Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart transitioned from a child actor to a global superstar with the ‘Twilight’ franchise. She has since focused on independent projects and earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Spencer’. Stewart identifies as queer and frequently discusses the fluidity of her identity in interviews. She continues to push boundaries with her choices in directing and acting roles.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza gained a devoted following for her deadpan comedic style on the sitcom ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has since expanded into dramatic territory with acclaimed performances in ‘Emily the Criminal’ and ‘The White Lotus’. Plaza came out as bisexual in 2016 and noted that she falls in love with people regardless of gender. Her unique screen presence has made her one of the most sought after talents in her generation.

Tessa Thompson

Tessa Thompson has become a major star through her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the ‘Creed’ franchise. She has been open about her attraction to both men and women and frequently champions diversity in Hollywood. Thompson often chooses roles that challenge traditional gender and racial stereotypes. She also works as a producer to create more opportunities for underrepresented voices.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe is a multifaceted artist who has excelled in both music and acting. She earned praise for her performances in the award winning films ‘Moonlight’ and ‘Hidden Figures’. Monáe identifies as nonbinary and pansexual and often incorporates queer themes into her visual art. Her career is marked by a commitment to futurism and social justice.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone made history as the first Native American woman to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She earned this recognition for her haunting performance in the Martin Scorsese film ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’. Gladstone is genderfluid and uses both she and they pronouns to reflect her heritage and identity. Her success has brought much needed visibility to Indigenous and queer performers alike.

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose gained international recognition for her Oscar winning performance as Anita in the remake of ‘West Side Story’. She is an openly queer Afro Latina actress who started her career on Broadway in shows like ‘Hamilton’. DeBose has become a prominent figure in musical theater and film while advocating for LGBTQ+ youth. She continues to lead major projects including the Disney animated film ‘Wish’.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz is best known for playing the tough and mysterious Detective Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Like her character on the show she identifies as bisexual and has been vocal about the importance of bisexual representation. Beatriz also voiced the lead character Mirabel in the hit Disney movie ‘Encanto’. She continues to work extensively in both live action and voice acting roles.

Jane Lynch

Jane Lynch became a comedic icon through her role as Sue Sylvester on the musical series ‘Glee’. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and has a long history of performing in improvisational comedy and film. Lynch has been openly lesbian throughout her public career and has served as a role model for many queer performers. She remains a staple of American television as both an actress and a game show host.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes is a legendary stand up comedian and actress known for her sharp wit and social commentary. She came out publicly in 2008 during a rally against Proposition 8 in California. Sykes has appeared in numerous films and television shows including ‘The Upshaws’ and ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’. She continues to be a leading voice for equality and representation in the comedy world.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster has had a legendary career spanning several decades as both an actress and a director. She won two Academy Awards for her roles in ‘The Accused’ and ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. Foster publicly acknowledged her partner during an acceptance speech at the Golden Globes in 2013. She remains one of the most respected figures in Hollywood history.

Holland Taylor

Holland Taylor is a celebrated stage and screen actress with a career that covers over fifty years. She won an Emmy for her work on ‘The Practice’ and is well known for her role in ‘Two and a Half Men’. Taylor is in a high profile relationship with Sarah Paulson and frequently discusses the importance of living authentically. She continues to deliver acclaimed performances in series like ‘The Morning Show’.

Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin is a pioneer of American comedy and a highly decorated actress with several decades of success. She is famous for her variety show characters and her long running partnership with Jane Fonda in ‘Grace and Frankie’. Tomlin has been with her wife Jane Wagner since 1971 and they married in 2013. Her enduring career is a testament to her talent and her ability to adapt to changing times.

Kate McKinnon

Kate McKinnon became a standout star on ‘Saturday Night Live’ through her wide range of eccentric impressions. She was the first openly lesbian cast member to join the show and has won multiple Emmy Awards. McKinnon has since moved into major film roles including the ‘Ghostbusters’ reboot and ‘Barbie’. Her comedic genius has made her a beloved figure in modern entertainment.

Hunter Schafer

Hunter Schafer rose to prominence for her role as Jules Vaughn on the hit drama series ‘Euphoria’. She is a trans woman who began her career as a fashion model for major global brands. Schafer also co wrote an episode of her breakout series and has since branched out into big budget films like ‘The Hunger Games The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’. She is recognized as a significant voice for trans visibility in the fashion and film industries.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Actress. She earned this accolade for her portrayal of Blanca Rodriguez on the acclaimed series ‘Pose’. Rodriguez is also a talented singer and has released several musical projects alongside her acting career. She continues to break barriers for trans performers of color in mainstream media.

Dominique Jackson

Dominique Jackson is best known for her commanding performance as Elektra Abundance on the series ‘Pose’. She is a trans woman and a prominent figure in the ballroom community who moved from modeling to acting. Jackson has written a memoir about her life experiences and continues to advocate for the rights of marginalized women. Her work has brought the history of ballroom culture to a global audience.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore gained widespread recognition for their role as Angel Evangelista on the television series ‘Pose’. They are nonbinary and trans and have been featured in major fashion campaigns for brands like Louis Vuitton. Moore uses their platform to speak out against social injustices and to support marginalized communities. They continue to act in film and television while remaining a vocal activist.

Jamie Clayton

Jamie Clayton first caught the attention of audiences as Nomi Marks in the science fiction series ‘Sense8’. She is a trans woman who has transitioned from a makeup artist to a successful full time actress. Clayton recently took on the iconic role of the Pinhead in the ‘Hellraiser’ reboot. Her career demonstrates a range that spans from emotional dramas to intense horror films.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross is an actress and businesswoman who gained fame for her roles in ‘Pose’ and ‘American Horror Story’. She is a trans woman who founded a company called TransTech Social Enterprises to help queer people find work in technology. Ross made history as the first trans woman to play Roxie Hart in the musical ‘Chicago’ on Broadway. She remains a powerful advocate for economic empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community.

Beanie Feldstein

Beanie Feldstein earned critical praise for her breakout roles in the films ‘Lady Bird’ and ‘Booksmart’. She identifies as queer and is currently married to producer Bonnie Chance Roberts. Feldstein has also performed on Broadway in the revival of ‘Funny Girl’. Her career is characterized by her ability to bring humor and heart to every character she plays.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg first rose to fame as Rue in ‘The Hunger Games’ before taking on leading roles in ‘The Hate U Give’. She identifies as gay and nonbinary and has been a prominent voice for her generation on issues of identity. Stenberg has been recognized for her activism and her commitment to representing diverse perspectives on screen. She continues to work in major franchises like the Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’.

Raven-Symoné

Raven-Symoné has been a mainstay of American television since she was a young child on ‘The Cosby Show’. She became a teen icon with her own Disney Channel series ‘That’s So Raven’ which was later revived as ‘Raven’s Home’. She came out publicly in 2013 and later married her partner Miranda Maday in 2020. Her career longevity is a rare feat in the entertainment industry.

Niecy Nash-Betts

Niecy Nash-Betts is a versatile actress known for her comedic timing and recent dramatic turns in ‘Dahmer Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’. She surprised many fans in 2020 when she announced her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash-Betts has since become a vocal representative for late in life queer identity and self discovery. She continues to win awards for her powerful performances on television.

Sarah Catherine Hook

Sarah Catherine Hook gained a large following for her lead role in the Netflix vampire series ‘First Kill’. She is an openly queer actress who has worked in several television projects and horror films. Hook often discusses the importance of authentic queer storytelling in the young adult genre. Her rising profile marks her as a talent to watch in the coming years.

Reneé Rapp

Reneé Rapp first found success on Broadway in the musical version of ‘Mean Girls’ before starring in ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls’. She reprised her role as Regina George in the 2024 film adaptation of ‘Mean Girls’ to great critical acclaim. Rapp is openly queer and has also launched a successful career as a pop singer. Her candid nature regarding her identity and mental health has earned her a dedicated fan base.

Bella Ramsey

Bella Ramsey became a global sensation for their roles in ‘Game of Thrones’ and the series ‘The Last of Us’. They identify as nonbinary and genderfluid and have expressed that they are comfortable with any pronouns. Ramsey has been praised for their maturity and intense acting ability at a young age. They continue to be one of the most prominent young queer voices in the industry today.

Emma D’Arcy

Emma D’Arcy achieved international stardom for their portrayal of Rhaenyra Targaryen in the series ‘House of the Dragon’. They are nonbinary and have spoken about how their identity informs their approach to acting. D’Arcy has a background in theater and has appeared in several stage productions in London. Their success in a massive fantasy franchise has been a milestone for nonbinary representation.

Josie Totah

Josie Totah began her career as a child actor before coming out as a transgender woman in a 2018 essay. She has since starred in and produced the revival of the sitcom ‘Saved by the Bell’. Totah is known for her sharp comedic delivery and her work as a writer and producer. She remains a significant figure for trans youth in the entertainment industry.

Hari Nef

Hari Nef is an actress and model who made history as the first openly transgender woman signed to IMG Models. She has appeared in the series ‘Transparent’ and ‘The Idol’ as well as the blockbuster film ‘Barbie’. Nef is known for her intellect and her contributions to fashion journalism alongside her acting work. She continues to challenge industry standards through her diverse project choices.

Trace Lysette

Trace Lysette is an actress who gained recognition for her role as Shea in the series ‘Transparent’. She became the first trans person to lead a film that premiered in the Venice Film Festival’s Critics’ Week with ‘Monica’. Lysette has been a vocal advocate for better working conditions and authentic casting for trans actors. Her career is focused on telling complex and humanizing stories about trans women.

Kimiko Glenn

Kimiko Glenn is best known for her role as Brook Soso in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and her extensive voice acting work. She has been open about her queer identity and has worked on several projects that feature LGBTQ+ themes. Glenn is also a talented singer who performed in the original Broadway cast of ‘Waitress’. She continues to work across television animation and theater.

Abbi Jacobson

Abbi Jacobson co created and starred in the hit comedy series ‘Broad City’ which became a cultural touchstone. She later created and starred in the television adaptation of ‘A League of Their Own’ which focused on queer history. Jacobson came out as queer in 2018 and is currently married to actress Jodi Balfour. Her work frequently centers on queer female friendships and romantic relationships.

Alia Shawkat

Alia Shawkat rose to fame as Maeby Fünke on the cult classic sitcom ‘Arrested Development’. She has since built a career in independent film and starred in the acclaimed series ‘Search Party’. Shawkat came out as bisexual in 2017 and has explored queer themes in her own writing and art. She is also a visual artist and frequently incorporates her unique perspective into her creative projects.

Clea DuVall

Clea DuVall has been a prominent figure in queer cinema since her roles in films like ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’. She has successfully moved into writing and directing with projects like ‘The Intervention’ and ‘Happiest Season’. DuVall has been openly lesbian for many years and often creates work that specifically centers on the queer experience. She remains a vital voice in both independent and mainstream film.

Portia de Rossi

Portia de Rossi is an Australian American actress famous for her roles in ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Arrested Development’. She has been in a high profile marriage with Ellen DeGeneres since 2008. De Rossi wrote a memoir about her struggles with her identity and health before finding success as an openly gay actress. She has since retired from full time acting to focus on her business and philanthropic efforts.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres made history when she came out as a lesbian on her sitcom ‘Ellen’ in 1997. This move was a landmark moment for television and paved the way for future queer performers. She went on to host a highly successful daytime talk show for nearly two decades. DeGeneres has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to culture and LGBTQ+ rights.

Cherry Jones

Cherry Jones is a highly respected stage actress who has won two Tony Awards for her work on Broadway. She is also known for her role as President Allison Taylor on the series ’24’. Jones has been openly lesbian throughout her career and was one of the first prominent actresses to live authentically. She continues to work in prestige television including roles in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Succession’.

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw is a celebrated Irish actress known for her extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. She gained a new generation of fans through her roles in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and the series ‘Killing Eve’. Shaw is openly gay and is married to economist Sonali Deraniyagala. Her career is marked by her incredible range and her ability to play complex and formidable characters.

Miriam Margolyes

Miriam Margolyes is a veteran actress of stage and screen known for her role as Professor Sprout in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She has been openly lesbian since the 1960s and is famous for her candid and often humorous interviews. Margolyes has won a BAFTA for her work and continues to be an active performer in her eighties. She is a beloved figure in the British entertainment industry for her honesty and wit.

Heather Matarazzo

Heather Matarazzo became a breakout star for her performance in the independent film ‘Welcome to the Dollhouse’. She is also well known for her role as Lilly Moscovitz in ‘The Princess Diaries’ films. Matarazzo has been an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community for many years. She continues to act in a variety of independent films and television projects.

Maria Bello

Maria Bello is an actress known for her roles in ‘ER’ and films like ‘A History of Violence’. She wrote a famous essay for the New York Times in 2013 about her modern family and her relationship with a woman. Bello identifies as queer and has continued to have a successful career in both film and television. She is also a producer and activist involved in international humanitarian work.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez gained fame for playing Dr. Callie Torres on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. They identify as nonbinary and bisexual and have been a major voice for queer representation in the media. Ramirez also starred as Che Diaz in the ‘Sex and the City’ sequel series ‘And Just Like That’. They continue to use their platform to advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin won an Academy Award at the age of eleven for her role in ‘The Piano’. She later starred as Sookie Stackhouse in the series ‘True Blood’ and played Rogue in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. Paquin came out as bisexual in 2010 as part of a public service announcement for equality. She remains a successful actress and producer in both television and film.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood began her career as a child actress before gaining acclaim for her role in ‘Thirteen’. She starred in the hit science fiction series ‘Westworld’ and has been nominated for several major awards. Wood came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been a vocal advocate for domestic violence survivors. She continues to take on challenging roles that highlight her versatility as a performer.

Sophie Turner

Sophie Turner rose to global fame playing Sansa Stark on the fantasy epic ‘Game of Thrones’. She has made several comments in interviews about her sexuality being fluid and not being limited to one gender. Turner also starred as Jean Grey in the ‘X-Men’ film series and continues to be a major star in Hollywood. Her public presence has inspired many young fans to embrace the fluidity of their own identities.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron became a star on the Disney Channel with her dual roles in ‘Liv and Maddie’ and the ‘Descendants’ films. She came out as queer in 2020 and has since transitioned into a more mature acting and music career. Cameron won a Daytime Emmy for her performance in ‘The Light in the Piazza’ and has released hit singles. She is recognized as a leading young voice in the queer community.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah is a pioneering figure in hip hop who successfully transitioned into a major acting career. She received an Academy Award nomination for her role in the musical ‘Chicago’ and has starred in numerous hit comedies. Latifah publicly acknowledged her long term partner during an awards ceremony in 2021. She continues to be a powerful force in the industry as both a performer and a producer.

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